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Assistant Professor Taisne's interview on CNA

21 May 2014

Singapore’s air quality has not been disrupted by volcanic ashes since 1991’s Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. Nonetheless, Singapore is closely surrounded by hundreds of volcano, notably in Indonesia, whose eruptions represent potential threats.

Last year the Kelud volcano in Java disrupted air traffic in the whole region. This year mount Sinabung in Northern Sumatra - only 600km away from Singapore- erupted for several weeks, provoking massive preventive evacuations and causing air traffic disruption. Every year, one or several major eruptions in Indonesia or the Philippines raise concern about the region’s economy and air quality.

Assistant Prof Benoit Taisne told Channel News Asia that EOS is “working in collaboration with colleagues from Indonesia to have more instruments on the ground to better predict the next eruptions.”

Marapi, in central Java, is a particular concern, as it is the closest volcano to Singapore, which lies only 400km away. "Since it is the closest one it is the most likely to inject ashes into the atmosphere that can affect Singapore” said Asst Prof Taisne.